Support system for a ceiling



Aug. 20, 1968 J. R. WARD SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A CEILING 7 Shet-Sheet 2 Filed March 17, 1965 //v VENTORS A TTOR/VEYS Aug. 20, 1968 J. R. WARD SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A CEILING 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 17, 1965 ATTORNEYS Aug. 20, 1968 J. R. WARD 3,397,499

SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A CEILING Filed March 17, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR 0, 1968 J. R. WARD 3,397,499

SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A CEILING Filed March 17, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aug. 0, 1968 J. R. WARD 3,397,499

SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A CEILING Filed March 17, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 l/V VE N TOR.

A TTTORNEYS.

Aug. 20, 1968 Filed March 17, 1965 J. R. WARD SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A CEILING 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR ACTOR/V515...

United States Patent M 3,397,499 SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A CEILING John R. Ward, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Inland Steel Products Company, Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Filed Mar. 17, 1965, Ser. No. 440,385 18 Claims. (Cl. 52495) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A ceiling system and components therefor, which system includes a hanger assembly comprising spaced runners, means for supporting the runners from a roof structure and ceiling closure elements supported by the runners.

This invention relates to a ceiling system. In its more specific aspect, this invention relates to a ceiling system com-prising prefabricated units and characterized by a high degree of flexibility and versatility.

This invention has as its purpose to provide a ceiling system of the above character made from a plurality of prefabricated interconnecting units which may be readily assembled at the building site in a wide variety of functional patterns. The ceiling system has as a feature a generally modular construction which affords economical and complete manufacture from regularly employed building materials. In general, the ceiling system in association with the roof structure includes a hanger assembly and suitable ceiling closure elements, such as individual colfer modules, which may accommodate light fixtures, and which system affords great flexibility.

Other features and advantages are inherent in the structure claimed and disclosed or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed specification and preferred embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a building interior illustrating a ceiling system constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the ceiling system in an erected condition;

FIGURE 2 is a transverse view in cross section showing in detail the Coffer construction of my invention;

FIGURE 2a is a partially fragmentary sectional view on line 2a2a of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 3 is a transverse view in cross section of a coffer of a modified form falling within the scope of the invention;

FIGURE 4 is a partially exploded fragmentary perspective view that illustrates the cotter and runner assembly of the ceiling system of the invention;

FIGURE 5 is a partial plan view of the hanger assembly and runners in fragmentary of the ceiling system;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken on line 66 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view on line 7-7 of FIG- URE 6;

FIGURE 8 is an elevational view partly in section showing the hanger assembly falling within the scope of the invention;

FIGURE 8a is a plan view of the truss clip;

FIGURE 9 is an exploded fragmentary perspective of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is a partially exploded fragmentary perspective view showing the hanger assembly and runners suspended from the deck unit;

FIGURE 11 is a sectional elevation of the hold-down clip;

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of the hold-down clip; and

FIGURE 13 is an exploded fragmentary perspective 3,397,499 Patented Aug. 20, 1968 view of a modified form of the ceiling system falling within the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGURE 1, there is illustrated a ceiling system embodying the present invention, and includes a roof deck, indicated generally at 10, which is typically supported by suitable cross braces, end trusses and the like structural elements (none of which are shown). A plurality of runners or chord members, indicated generally at 12 and to be described hereinafter in greater detail, are suspended from the roof deck by means of a mounting having an appropriate cover plate, indicated generally by the number 13 and also to be described hereinafter in detail. Elongated truss web members 14 support the mounting, and the web members are connected at their opposite ends to the interior surface of the deck 10 by suitable attaching means, indicated generally at 16. The mounting provides means for supporting the runners 12 and for supporting the ceiling System from the roof deck 10. In addition, the building is provided with columnar or wall elements such as a wall element 20 extending vertically between the floor 22 and the ceiling system, and the mounting may be provided with means for supporting non-structural wall elements along the top thereof.

In the ceiling system, 24 designates generally a ceiling of modular assembly comprising ceiling closure elements. There is illustrated an assembly of individual identical coffer modules. The coffers (described below in greater detail) are supported in preselected assembly by the horizontal runners 12, and each coffer is suitably recessed to accommodate a lighting fixture.

In referring now to FIGURES 2-4, there is shown in detail coifer 26 as a suitable ceiling closure element, including a number of modifications falling within the scope of the present invention. The individual coffer modules employed in a ceiling system are generally of identical construction so that parts described with reference to one module are found on the other. The cotfer illustrated is substantially symmetrical and includes a frusto-pyramidal base 28 terminating at its bottom marginal edges with an upwardly directed flange 30 which circumscribes said base, and which flange 30 has for strengthening purposes an outwardly reverse bend 32. Opposed parallel endwalls 34, having a configuration substantially that of an isosceles triangle, extend vertically from the top marginal edges of opposed faces of the frusto-pyramid 28. Oppositely pitched panels 36, which converge upwardly, likewise extend from the top marginal edges of opposed faces of the frusto-pyramid 28 and further extend between the marginal sides of endwalls 34. Panels 36 form with each of said opposed faces of the frusto-pyramid an angular cross-section, and are provided along their longitudinal marginal edge with a substantially vertical support and strengthening rib 38 having a transverse flange 40. Second panel member 42 extends from the longitudinal marginal edge of panel 36 to the longitudinal center of the coffer and between the marginal sides of endwalls '34. In the preferred embodiment, panels 36 and 42 are of substantially equal area, and the width of panel 36 is approximately one-half the distance between the top marginal edge of the frustopyramid 28 and the apex of the coffer. Panels 42 and/or panels 36 may be perforated depending upon the acoustical requirements, and a suitable acoustical batt, such as a mineral fiber batt, may be provided on the back side of the panel.

Panel 42 terminates along one longitudinal marginal edge with an upwardly directed flange 44 which desirably is at substantially the same angle with respect to panel 42 as flange 38 is with respect to panel 36. The opposed longitudinal marginal edge of panel 42 is angularly shaped downwardly to provide shoulder 46 which extends from panel 42 in a direction substantially opposite to that of flange 44, and shoulder 46 is then flanged upwardly and inwardly at 48. Desirably, the downwardly sloping shoulder 46 is at an angle with respect to panel 42 substantially corresponding to the pitch or slope of the panel 36.

Supporting rail 50 substantially in the form of an inverted T extends between endw-alls 34 and is secured thereto by any suitable means such as sheet metal screws or the like. The supporting rail comprises a longitudinal web portion 52 and opposed transverse terminal flanges 54 angularly shaped with respect to the web portion 52 to provide a seating arrangement for either longitudinal marginal edge of panels 42, as will be explained in more detail hereinbelow.

Opposed endwalls 34, which extend from opposite faces of the frusto-pyram-id 28, are of substantially isosceles triangular configuration. Endwalls 34 are conjoined with panels 42 along their lateral marginal edges.

Coffer 26 is sufiiciently recessed to accommodate suitable lighting fixtures 58 such as fluorescent tubes or the like. Conventional connecting elements, indicated generally at 60, are provided for the light fixtures. The number of light fixtures provided in any particular coffer will depend upon the illuminating level requirements in the room, and the configuration and size of the coder can be varied to accommodate a plurality of fluorescent tubes or to accommodate a plurality of such tubes in paired arrangement. (See FIGURE 2.) A diffuser 62 of conventional structure is provided in combination with the light,

fixture to improve the illumination such as by creating indirect lighting thereby minimizing glare.

In the ceiling system, there is included a plurality of horizontal runners indicated generally at 12 in FIGURES l and 4 and supported by means of the mounting. In order to show the several elements in greater detail, there is shown in the remaining figures, which illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention, main runner 64 and cross-runner 66. Both such runners 64 and 66 have opposed lateral shoulders 67 and elongated transverse webs 68 extending substantially the complete length of the runners. Transverse webs 68 are turned inwardly and downwardly at 69 to provide for guide rail 70 and reentrant groove 72. In addition, webs 68 of both runners 64 and 66 are provided with aligned apertures 76 at spaced intervals.

With respect to main runner 64, each end is provided with an upwardly turned tab 82 disposed intermediate opposed webs 68 and set inwardly for a slight distance with respect to the marginal edge. Cross-runner 66 is provided at each end with a transversely extending offset 84 to extend above shoulder 67 of main runner 64 such that upon assembly, the runners 64 and 66 may form a common plane.

Referring to FIGURES 5, 6, 8 and 9, there is shown in detail the mounting 13 supported from the roof structure as described below in detail, which includes a spider 88 having a horizontally disposed section 90 and opposed sides or legs 92 depending from said horizontal section. (See FIGURES through In addition, there are four transverse flanges or lugs 94 protruding from near the top of sides 92 and being of suflicient length to extend over at least a portion of guide rails 70 when assembled, as will be more apparent hereinbelow. A pair of stop means 96 desirably formed integrally with the spider, extends downwardly from the horizontal section 90 and is indented from sides 92 intermediate a pair of flanges 94 and are provided with recesses 97.

Mounting 13 further includes a pair of opposed channels 98 formed integrally with spider 88 and open upwardly and outwardly with respect thereto. Channels 98 depend from sides 92 below the flanges 94 and stop means 96 and extend later-ally beyond the edges of said sides. The channels 98 open upwardly with respect to the disposition of the mounting when employed in the ceiling system, and cooperate with reentrant groove 72 of main runners 64. There is provided in the bottom of each channel 98 an elongated slot 100 which is centrally disposed. The elongated slots 100 are substantially the same length as sides 92 and desirably are formed in the channels along the longitudinal juncture between the sides 92 and channels 98.

There is further provided to co-act in association with said spider 88 a cradle 102 disposed beneath said horizontal section 90. Cradle 102 has a bottom plate 104, which has substantially the same dimensions as horizontal section of spider 88, and opposed transversely extending legs 106 which are slideably mounted through the elongated slots of channels 98. Upon mounting the cradle with the spider 88, the legs pass upwardly through slots 100 to the outside of sides 92 and in firm slideable engagement with sides 92. As illustrated in FIG- URES 5, 6, and 8, upon the vertical disposition of the cradle with the spider, the legs on each side of the cradle pass to both sides of stop means 96 and to the inside of opposed rflanges 94. Bottom plate 104 is provided with an opening 108 suitable for accommodating the passage therethrough of a cable or the like (not shown) or for accommodating the connecting element of coverplate 18.

Mounting 13 further includes a pair of brackets 110, each bracket having a rear attaching member or base plate 112 and a pair of opposed struts 114 extending transversely from the base plate. In addition, base plate 112 is provided with a centrally disposed transverse flange 115 having a neck portion 116 which cooperates with detent 96 whereby the connection of bracket 110 with the spider 88 is rendered more secure. To each side of flange 115, the base plate 112 is bent backwardly at 117 and downwardly at 118 to provide downwardly open elongated channels 120 formed integrally with the base plate 112 and disposed opposite of the struts 114. Channels 120 are of sufficient depth to accommodate guide rails 70 of runners 64 and to co-act with channel 98 such that upon seatable engagement in channel 98, the struts 114 are disposed outwardly from the spider 88. Base plate 112 is provided with a detent 122 which may be formed by a centrally disposed flared out section of the base plate. Each strut 114 is provided with flanges 124 and 126 extending transversely from the opposite horizontal edges, and flange 126 is formed along the lower horizontal edge of strut 114 by bending the flange outwardly at 128 and upwardly at 130. In addition, flange 126 and strut 114 are provided with aligned openings 131 to accommodate a screw 132. The flanges 124 and 126 are formed such that upon assembly, flanges 124 engage guide rails 70 of cross-runner 66, and flange 126 co-acts with re-entrant grooves 72 whereby bracket 110 is in slideable engagement with flanges 68 of cross-runner 66.

A mounting 13 is suspended from the roof deck by elongated truss web members 14. In order to accomplish the proper suspension, the horizontal section 90 of spider 88 is provided with a centrally disposed, internally threaded sleeve 134 having a seat 136 with one or more slots 137 to accommodate a spanner wrench (not shown). A plurality of metal washers 138 is provided on both sides of the horizontal section 90 of spider 88. Desirably one or more asbestos rings 139, or other suitable insulating material, is inserted between some or all of the metal parts to provide a thermal break for inhibiting the transfer of heat in the event of a fire in the building. There is provided elongated bolt member 140 which threadedly engages sleeve 134 and has an upper squared shank portion 142 positioned just below head 144. Truss clip 146 includes spaced transverse extensions 148, a centrally disposed elongated aperture 150 and a recessed portion 152 suitable for accommodating the head 144 and squared shank 142 of bolt 140. Bolt 140 extends through elongated aperture 150', and head 144 passes through this aperture when the longit-udinal axes of each are in alignment such that upon a quarter turn of the bolt, the head 144 is prevented from passing. In this manner, the bolt 140 may be inserted through the bottom of truss clip 146, and when the head 144 and squared shank portion 142 have cleared the aperture 150 and the bolt is given a quarter turn, the squared shank portion 142 of bolt 140 is keyed in the aperture whereby the bolt is held against rotative movement. Locking nut 156 is internally threaded for engaging bolt 140. The truss clip 146 accommodates bottom chord deck unit 158 which is secured to web member 14, and the truss clip is welded to said bottom chord deck unit at 160 as shown. The bottom chord deck unit 158 is seated on the edges of truss clip 146 between the transverse extensions 148 thereby preventing said bottom chord deck unit from going into recessed portion 152 to always provide sufli-cient clearance for the squared shank portion 142 and head 144. Upon tightening locking nut 156, mounting 86 is secured in place and held against rotative movement. The bottom chord deck unit 158 is affixed to the web member 14 as by welding, and web member 14 is suspended from the roof deck and connected to the interior thereof by suitable attaching means 16 .(which forms no part of this invention).

A suitable cover plate 162 is provided at the juncture between the main runners 64 and cross-runners 66 below the mounting 13. The cover plate may be secured in place by any well-known means such as a snap-on clip or tapping screw. The fastening means illustrated in FIGURE includes a dog 164 which is inserted through opening 108 of cradle 102. The dog is given a quarter of a turn for seating engagement with plate 104 and screw 166 is tightened to fasten cover plate 162 in place.

Where desired, a hold-down clip 168 may be employed in conjunction with runners 64 and 66 and the ceiling closures in order to make the structure more secure and to retain the respective elements in position. The holddown clip extends between webs 68 of the runners, and includes a horizontal top member 170 having downwardly turned flange members 171 which spans webs 68. A horizontal bottom member 174, disposed beneath member 170 extends between the webs 68. Spaced transverse flanges 176 extend upwardly from member 174 for engagement with downwardly open re-entrant groove 72 of web 68. Flange 30 of coifer 26 is engageable in the groove formed by flange 171 and web 68. Screw 180 is tightened and draws the respective members into close fastening arrangement.

In assembling a ceiling system of modular construction, there is illustrated a plurality of horizontally disposed main runners and cross-runners measuring five feet in length for supporting the cotfer modules having dimensions just slightly less than the runners. It should be understood, however, that these several components employed in the modular assembly may have any dimension Within practical means depending upon such factors as the construction materials used, the type of building, the ceiling space and the lighting and ventilating requirements for the building. In the mounting 86, the spider 88 and cradle 102 are assembled by slideably inserting legs 106 through the elongated openings 100 provided in the bottom of channels 98, whereby legs 106 pass to the outside of sides 92 and between flanges 94. Bolt member 140 having locking nut 156 threaded thereon is threadedly engaged with sleeve 134. The squared shank portion 142 of bolt 140 is keyed with recess 152 and nut 156 is tightened against the truss clip 146 which is welded to the bottom chord truss unit 158. It will be observed that nut 156 is tightened, the horizontal disposition of the spider may be adjusted by adjusting the position of the bolt 140 in aperture 150.

With respect to main runners 64, the transverse webs 68 are engaged with channels 98 of spider 88 upon an over and under disposition whereby the outermost vertical channel wall of channel 98 enters re-entrant groove 72 and flange 69 is seatably engaged in channel 98. Rail 70 passes beneath the flange 94 which assists in maintaining the assembly between the main runners and the spider 88. Runner 64 is inserted into channel 98 for a sufficient distance to bring the upwardly turned tab 82 under the opening 108 so that when cradle 102 is pulled downwardly, base 104 lies against runner 64 and tab 82 protrudes through the opening 108 and is bent downwardly, thereby limiting the horizontal disposition of runner 64. This is important in that the connection between the tab 82 and the cradle 102 provides a seismic connection to take lateral loads. A second main runner 64 extending from the mounting 86 in an opposite direction is similarly assembled with the mounting.

Cross-runners 66 are now ready to be assembled in the ceiling system. To accomplish this, the cross-runners may be assembled with the brackets 110. Rails of runners 66 are slid under flanges 124 but over the longitudinal marginal edges of flanges 126 such that flange 126 is in slideable engagement with re-entrant groove 72. Bracket 110 is then connected to the spider 88 as illustrated. In this manner, channel 98 and channels are brought in an over and under disposition whereby the outwardly channel wall of channel 98 enters channels 120 and downwardly directed walls of channels 120 enter channel 98. Upon assembly, it will be observed that a portion of web 68 of main runner 64 is seatably arranged in channel 120. By reason of this arrangement, struts 114 of bracket 110 project transversely and horizontally with respect to the spider 88. The base plate 112 of strut 110 is dis posed between a pair of flanged detents 94 which limits the horizontal movement of bracket 110. In addition, neck 118 cooperates with detent 96 thereby preventing bracket 110 from slipping out of channel 98.

Cross-runners 66 are thus disposed substantially normal to main runners 64, and off-set 84 extends over shoulder 67 of main runner 64 whereby the main runners and cross-runners form a common plane. In a similar manner, the oppositely disposed cross-runner 66 is assembled in the ceiling system. One or more holddown clips 168 may be employed in conjunction with each main runner and cross-runner as described above.

After the horizontal runners are in place, the coder 26 may be positioned thereon. In the manufacture of the coffers, the panels 42 are manufactured as separate units in order to alford greater flexibility in the cotfer assembly, as explained more fully hereinafter. In this manner, the cotfer is manufactured and shipped to the building site as comprising the frusto-pyramidal lower section 28 having integral endwalls 34 conjoined with converging side panels 36, and the separate unattached panels 42.

According to the one embodiment illustrated in FIG- URE 2, supporting rail 50 extends longitudinally between endwalls 34 and is *aflixed thereto by any suitable means substantially at the apices of the endwalls. Panel 42 is so positioned in the coffer assembly that the angular terminus formed by shoulder 46 and flange 48 is supported by the flange 54 and web 52 or rail member 50. The opposite marginal edge of panel 42 overlaps the top longitudinal marginal edge of panel 36 and rib 38 serves as a stop means and support in maintaining panel 42 in position such that flange 44 may engage rib 38. The coffer is then positioned on the horizontal runners as illustrated such that the bottom of the frusto-pyramid 28 is supported by shoulders 67 of the runners 64 and 66 and maintained in position by means of flange 30 which engages transverse webs 68.

Before the cover plate 162 is put in place, the horizontal disposition of the ceiling assembly is surveyed. In the event the ceiling is not level, sleeve 134 rotates. This may be accomplished by means of a spanner wrench, or other suitable tool, which is extended through opening 108 of cradle 102 into engagement with slots 137 of sleeve 134. The rotation of the sleeve etfects axial translation of the mounting 86 relative to the bolt member 140 thereby causing the mounting to move upwardly or downwardly. Once it has been determined that the ceiling is level, cover plate 162 is assembled.

It will be observed that the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 2 provides a broad and deeply recessed cofler having a frusto-pyramidal lower section and a recessed upper section including vertical endwalls and converging sidewalls. A cotter of this design can accommodate one or more lighting fixtures depending upon the illuminating level required. The embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 2 shows a cotter containing three lighting fixtures each accommodating two fluorescent lamps.

According to the modification illustrated in FIGURE 3, the longitudinal supporting rail 50 is affixed to the endwalls 34 adjacent its horizontal base line but just above the frusto-pyramid 28. The angular terminus of panel 42 formed by shoulder 46 and flange 48 is brought into overlapping engagement with the longitudinal marginal edge of panel 36 and rib 40 engages flange 48. The opposite longitudinal marginal edge of panel 42 is brought into overlapping engagement with flange 54 of supporting rail 50 and flange 44 engages web 52. In this manner, panels 36 are sloped inwardly and downwardly whereby the upper section of the coffer is essentially divided into two longitudinal sections. In this manner, each longitudinal section can accommodate a lighting fixture, and as illustrated each fixture is employed to accommodate two fluorescent lamps. It should be understood, however, that the number of lighting fixtures and amount of illumination is solely dependent upon the room requirements and forms no part of the invention. It will be observed that FIGURES 2 and 3 show the flexibility and versatility of the ceiling system of the invention such that it can be modified at ease to accommodate any ceiling requirements with respect to lighting requirements and/ or acoustical requirements.

The ceiling system of the present invention further may be employed in the support of wall panels, room dividers, and the like non-structural wall elements. The top of such a vertical structure, e.g. as a wall panel, may be provided with a boss (not shown). Upon assemblage of the ceiling system, the boss of column 20 is inserted through opening 108 of cradle 102. Cover plate 18 is omitted at any point where such a connection occurs. In this manner, the vertical structure is supported in its vertical position, This feature is particularly desirable where room dividers are employed to vary the room size from time to time depending upon the requirements. Thus, in those instances where wall panels or wall dividers are employed for varying the size of the room, the top of the wall divider may be provided with an appropriate boss for insertion in the opening 108 of cradle 102. Hence, the position of the wall divider may be altered with relative ease.

FIGURE 13 illustrates a modified form of the ceiling structure in which a ventilating means and flat pan arrangement are incorporated into the ceiling system. Either main runner 64 or cross-runner 66 is provided with an elongated opening 182 between the transverse webs 68. An air-tight ventilating boot 184, desirably formed of sheet metal, and having a fire damper 183, is attached to the runner and opens at the elongated opening 182 of the runner. The boot extends upwardly from the runner so that when the ceiling is assembled, the boot is not visible. Duct 186 opens to the boot, and air from a source not shown passes through the duct into the boot and through opening 162 into the building. It should be understood that the ventilating boot may be of any configuration other than as illustrated and of any capacity depending upon the building requirements, and further that the number of runners and the position of the runners employed in the building for accommodating the boot can be varied to meet the building requirements. A diffuser plate 188 is employed to cover opening 182 and to control air flow.

Further with respect to FIGURE 13, in not all instances is it necessary or desirable to provide in the ceiling system coffers only containing light fixtures. Hence, the ceiling system of my invention may be modified to provide for the incorporation therein of a plurality of flat pans or panels 190. In order to achieve this objective, there is provided one or more off-module runners 192 which are of substantially the same design and structure as cross-runners 66 and likewise have shoulder 67 and transverse web 68. There is illustrated two off-module runners extending between two cross-runners 66 and parallel with two main runners 64. Bracket 110 is supported by lWCb 68 upon seating engagement of rail 70 with channels 120. The bracket is positioned substantially at the aperture 76 whereby detent 122 registers with aperture 76 to assist in fastening the bracket with the runner 66. In this manner, an off-module runner 192 is extended between two spaced parallel cross-runners 66 and supported at either end by bracket .110 substantially as described above. The flat pans 190, having transverse stiffening flanges 194 extending upwardly, are supported by shoulders 67 of off-module runners 186 as well as by shoulders 67 of main runners 64 and/or cross-runners 66. At those positions when a hold-down clip 168 is employed, flange 194 of the flat pan is engageable in the groove formed by flange 171 and web 68. (See FIGURE 11,

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:

1. A ceiling system in association with a roof structure, the combination comprising:

(a) a plurality of spaced, horizontally disposed runners,

(b) a mounting having a spider section and spaced transverse sides depending from said spider section,

(c) each of said sides terminating in a horizontally disposed lateral channel opening upwardly with respect to said spider section,

(d) me'ans associated with at least some of said runners for engaging said channels for support thereof,

(e) bracket means engageable in each of said channels and extending transversely therefrom for supporting the remainder of said runners, and

(f) means for supporting said mounting from said roof structure.

2. In a ceiling system according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of coflers are supported by said runners, said coffers comprising a frusto-pyramidal base and converging sidewalls.

3. In a ceiling system according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of flat pan ceiling closure elements are supported by said runners.

4. A ceiling system in association with a roof structure, the combination comprising:

(a) a plurality of spaced, horizontally disposed first A and second runners,

(b) a mounting comprising a spider section having a pair of spaced parallel sidewalls depending downwardly from said spider section,

(0) each of said sidewalls terminating in an upwardly open channel facing outwardly with respect to said sidewalls,

(d) bracket means engageable in each of said channels and extending transversely therefrom whereby said bracket means extend in opposed directions from said sidewalls,

(e) means associated with said first runners for laterally engaging said channels tor support thereof,

(f) means associated with said second runners for engaging said bracket means,

(g) means associated with said spider section for adjusting the relative vertical disposition of said mounting, and

(h) means for supporting said mounting from said roof structure.

5. A ceiling system according to claim 4 including a.

plurality of ceiling closure elements supported by said runners.

6. A ceiling system according to claim 4 wherein a plurality of spaced, horizontally disposed third runners extend between said second runners substantially parallel to said first runners, and means for supporting said third runners.

7. A ceiling system in association with a roof structure, the combination comprising:

(a) a plurality of spaced horizontally disposed first and second runners,

(b) a mounting comprising a spider section having a pair of spaced sidewalls depending downwardly from said spider section, each of said sidewalls terminating in an upwardly open channel facing outwardly with respect to said sidewall,

(c) said first runner having spaced, non-peripheral longitudinal webs extending transversely from said runners thereby forming opposed outwardly extending shoulders, said webs adapted for slideable engagement with said channels whereby a pair of said first runners is laterally supported from said spider section in opposed directions,

(d) said first runners having at opposite ends transverse tabs interposed said longitudinal webs and transverse thereto,

(e) bracket means engageable with said channel and having transversely extending spaced-apart struts whereby said struts, upon engagement of said bracket means in said channel, extend substantially normal to said channel,

(f) peripheral flanges extending from said struts,

(g) said second runners having an off-set formed on opposite ends thereof substantially equal to the width of said shoulder formed on said first runner,

(h) said second runner having spaced, non-peripheral longitudinal webs extending transversely from said runners thereby forming opposed outwardly extending shoulders, said webs adaptable for slideable engagement with said peripheral flanges of said struts whereby said second runner is laterally supported therefrom, said first runners and said second runners thereby being disposed substantially normal to each other and said off-set engaging said shoulder of said first runner,

(i) an elongated opening in the bottom portion of each of said channels,

(j) a cradle disposed beneath said spider section and having transversely extending legs and a centrally disposed opening suitable for accommodating said tab, said legs being in slideable engagement through said elongated openings of said channels with said spider section whereby the vertical disposition of said cradle may be adjusted with respect to said spider section,

(-k) means for securing attachment of said bracket means and said cradle with said spider section,

(1) means associated with said spider section for adjusting the relative horizontal and vertical disposition of said mounting, and

(m) a plurality of ceiling closure elements supported by said runners.

8. A ceiling system according to claim 7 wherein said ceiling closure element comprises a coder having a frustopyramidal base, spaced endwalls extending upwardly from said base and converging sidewalls extending upwardly from said base between said endwalls.

9. A ceiling system accord-ing to claim 7 including a plurality of spaced horizontally disposed third runners, at least one of said third runners extending between a pair of second runners and supportably engaging said second runners, and a plurality of ceiling panels supported by said first runners, said second runners and said third runners.

10. A cotter comprising:

(a) a frusto-pyramidal base terminating at the bottom marginal edges with an upwardly directed flange circumscri-bing said base,

(b) a pair of spaced parallel endwalls extending upwardly from said base and having a substantially isosceles triangle configuration, the sides of said end- Walls having longitudinal shoulders extending transversely therefrom,

(c) a supporting rail extending between said endwalls, said rail having an elongated web and an elongated transverse flange extending from each face of said web,

((1) a first pair of oppositely pitched side panels disposed between said endwalls, said first side panels extending upwardly from said base, and

(e) a second pair of oppositely pitched side panels disposed between said endwalls, each of said second panels extending between the longitudinal marginal edge of said first panel and said supporting rail for engagement with said transverse flange.

11. A coffer according to claim 10 wherein said supporting rail extends between the apices of said endwalls.

12. A coffer according to claim 10 wherein said supporting rail extends adjacent the base lines of said endwalls.

13. A mounting comprising:

(a) a spider section having a pair of spaced parallel sidewalls depending downwardly from said spider section,

(b) each of said sidewalls terminating in an upwardly open channel facing outwardly with respect to said sidewalls,

(c) bracket means engageablein each of said channels and extending transversely therefrom whereby said bracket means extend in opposed directions from said sidewalls,

(d) an elongated opening in the bottom portion of each of said channels,

(e) a cradle disposed beneath said spider section and having transversely extending legs, said legs being in slideable engagement through said openings of said channels with said spider section, and

(-f) means associated with said spider section for adjusting the relative horizontal and vertical disposition of said mounting.

14. A mounting comprising:

(a) a spider section having spaced sidewalls depending downwardly from said spider section terminating in upwardly open channels facing outwardly with respect tosaid sidewalls,

(b) bracket means engageable in said channels and having transversely extending spaced apart struts whereby said struts, upon engagement of said bracket means in said channels, extend in opposed directions outwardly from said sidewalls,

(c) flanges extending from opposite horizontal marginal edges of each of said struts,

(d) an elongated opening in the bottom portion of each of said channels,

(e) a cradle disposed beneath said spider section and having a centrally disposed opening and transversely extending legs, said legs being in slideable engagement through said elongated openings of said channels with said spider section whereby the vertical disposition of said cradle may be adjusted with respect to said spider section, and

(f) means associated with said spider section for adjusting the relative horizontal and vertical disposition of said mounting.

15. A mounting comprising:

(a) a spider section having spaced sidewalls depending downwardly from said spider section terminating in upwardly open channels facing outwardly with respect tosaid sidewalls,

(b) bracket means engageable in said channels and having transversely extending spaced apart struts whereby said struts, upon engagement of said bracket means in said channels, extend in opposed directions outwardly from said sidewalls,

(c) flanges extending from opposite horizontal marginal edges of each of said struts,

(d) an elongated opening in the bottom portion of each of said channels,

(e) a cradle disposed beneath said spider section and having a centrally disposed opening and'transversely extending legs, said legs being in slideable engagement through said elongated openings of said channels with said spider section whereby the vertical disposition of said cradle may be adjusted with respect to said spider section,

(f) a pair of spaced lugs projecting outwardly from each of said sidewalls, above said channels,

(g) detent means depending downwardly from said spider and indented from said sidewalls, said detent means interposed said lugs and above said channels,

(h) said lugs and said detent means constituting alignment means of said bracket means and sa d cradle with said spider section, and

(i) an interconnecting element co-operably engageable with said spider section for adjusting the relative horizontal and vertical disposition of said mounting.

16. A mounting comprising:

(a) a spider section having spaced sidewalls depending downwardly from said spider section, each of said sidewalls terminating in an upwardly open channel facing outwardly with respect to said sidewall,

(b) a pair of brackets each having a rear attaching member and incorporating two spaced downwardly open channels for engagement with said upwardly open channel, a rigid T-shaped flange centrally located between said downwardly open channels and extending beyond said downwardly open channels, and two spaced; strluts extending transversely from said rear member and oppositely disposed therefrom with reference to said downwardly open channels and said T-shaped flange,

(c) flanges extending from opposite horizontal marginal edges of each of said struts,

(d) an elongated opening in the bottom portion of each of said channels,

(e) a cradle disposed beneath said spider section and having a centrally disposed opening and transversely extending legs, said legs being in slideable engagement through said elongated openings of said channels with said spider section whereby the vertical disposition of said cradle may be adjusted with respect to said spider section,

(f) a pair of spaced l-ugs projecting outwardly from each of said sidewalls, above said channels,

(g) detent means depending downwardly from said spider and indented from said sidewalls, said detent means interposed said lugs and above said channels and having a recessed portion for accommodating the head of said T-shaped flange,

(h) said lugs and said detent means constituting align- 12 ment means of said bracket means and said cradle with said spider section, and (i) an interconnecting element co-operably engageable with said spider section for adjusting the relative horizontal and vertical dis-position of said mounting. 17. A mounting for use in a ceiling system supported from a roof structure comprising:

(a) a spider section having spaced sidewalls depending downwardly from said spider section terminating in upwardly open channels facing outwardly with respect to said sidewalls,

(b) bracket means engageable in said channels and having transversely extending spaced apart struts whereby said struts, upon engagement of said bracket means in said channels, extend in opposed directions outwardly from said sidewalls,

(c) flanges extendingfrom opposite horizontal marginal edges of each of said struts,

(d) an elongated opening in the bottom portion of each of said channels,

(e) a cradle disposed beneath said spider section and having a centrally disposed opening and transversely extending legs, said legs being in slideable engagement through said elongated openings of said channels with said spider section whereby the vertical disposition of said cradle may be adjusted with respect to said spider section,

(-f) a pair of spaced lugs projecting outwardly from each of said sidewalls above said channels,

(g) detent means depending downwardly from said spider and indented from said sidewalls, said detent means interposed said lugs and above said channels,

(h) said lugs and said detent means constituting alignment means of said bracket means and said cradle with said spider section,

(i) an internally threaded sleeve mounted on said spider section,

(j) an interconnecting element threadedly engageable with said sleeve and adaptable to be connected to means for suspending said mounting from said roof structure, and

(k) means associated with said interconnecting element to retain said interconnecting element against rotative movement.

18. A mounting according to claim 17 wherein said sleeve includes a thermal break.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,926,237 2/1960 Sorenson 240-9 3,014,564 12/1961 Thomsen 52582 X 3,147,518 9/1964 Horgan 52731 X 2,306,685 12/ 1942 Chambers 5228 X FOREIGN PATENTS 231,289 6/ 1959 Australia.

OTHER REFERENCES Architectural Forum February 1946, pages 98 and 99.

JOHN E. MURTAGH, Primary Examiner. 

